Members of Torridge Agenda 21 Group, affectionately known as TAG 21, arrived from all over the district to meet in Bradworthy on 11th March. The now independent Group, formerly the Torridge Environmental Forum, was originally convened from volunteers by Torridge District Council in 1995. TAG 21 has been meeting in Torrington, but Bradworthy was selected as the first of the "roving" venues because it has been trying to address the issue of sustainability for some time.
It was good to see new faces with us and recognise that there are a lot of people in Torridge who care enough about their area to give up time to attend such a meeting. Martyn Laidlaw, TAG 21 co-ordinator, confirmed that he still has a lockable cycle rack available free of charge if Bradworthy would like one. Bradworthy Parish Council has been offered this facility but is uncertain about the need for a rack and its siting, so get in touch with one of the Councillors if you would like to have it in the village. Other parishes have also shown interest so Bradworthy needs to act now.
TAG 21 has also secured a grant of over £20,000 for events in Torridge to celebrate the millennium in creative and interesting ways. Beating the Parish bounds, flower festival, tree-planting festival, or what about having a fun-filled work week to create the peaceful garden already suggested on land next to the playing field? Sadly, parties, fireworks etc. are not eligible, but what ideas does Bradworthy have? Margaret Coles is Bradworthy's Millennium Celebration co-ordinator, so have a word with her soon and apply to TAG 21 for funds to make it happen.
Another small TAG 21 project is to produce a calendar with photographs illustrating the range of environmental work happening in Torridge. If you have any photos you think would be suitable, send them a.s.a.p. to Martyn Laidlaw, with details of where it is, what has been happening and who's involved.
Long-term projects are continuing. These include the fencing of Torridge Headwaters streams and tree planting to conserve banks from erosion by livestock. This improves habitat for a range of species including keeping river beds silt-free so that salmon can spawn, and providing food and safe refuges for otters, two of our most celebrated creatures.
Rural transport is a key issue in Torridge and a number of parishes are exploring options for improvement, including community mini-buses. Beth Dowdeswell, of the Torridge Transport Group, will continue to discuss Bradworthy's needs with local organisations and individuals. Contact her to share your views on 01237 423232.
Any human activity has an impact on the environment, so TAG 21's remit is wide, including housing, transport, shopping, energy, food, waste, water and land use, for example. TAG 21 is a network of individuals and representatives from organisations from all over Torridge who are committed to helping look after the area and its people. We want to ensure that it remains as special a place as it is now, with the variety of wildlife we love still here for our children and those who follow them. This is our agenda for the 21st century, hence the name "TAG 21 ". If you have any ideas, need funds for a project, would like to be involved or simply want to know more, contact Martyn Laidlaw, TAG 21, c/o Dartington North Devon Trust, 4 Taw Vale, Barnstaple, EX32 8NJ; Tel. 01271326061 or 0797 0020643